The stunning Taiwanese-American actress was born and raised in Richmond, the capital of Virginia, to a father obsessed with science who works as a biology and genetics professor and a mother who’s a computer programmer. Constance is a middle child (sort-of), and grew up with three sisters, two older, and one younger. Her paternal grandparents, who lived in Taipei, were very poor and supported themselves by farming bamboo. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Picture 1/5

She was always going to be an actor

Even from as young as 10 Constance felt the call of the stage, “I was reciting Shakespeare monologues when I was 10. I still know the whole ‘To be or not to be…’ monologue, because I knew it when I was 10.” We think Constance would have slayed Shakespeare even then. At 16 Constance participated in the Henrico Teen Theatre programme, and the Virginia Shakespeare Festival. She went on to graduate from the prestigious State University of New York at the Purchase Conservatory of Acting, where past alumni include Edie Falco, Melissa Leo, and The Devil Wears Prada star Stanley Tucci. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Picture 2/5

She doesn't stick to Hollywood's rules

She’s said how privileged she feels to be able to act, but she puts humanitarian and feminist issues first. Speaking to Teen Vogue she said, “I’ve always been quite outspoken about humanitarian and feminist issues. Because of my TV show, I suddenly have increased visibility. So the media’s amplification of my voice is quite new. But my voice and passions are the same as they have always been.”

She spoke out about Casey Affleck’s Oscar nomination after sexual abuse allegations against him came to light tweeting, “He’s running for an award that honours a craft whose purpose is examining the dignity of the human experience, and young women are deeply human.” She earned a lot of praise from her fans for talking about such a controversial issue. Shockingly, she was actually told not to talk about it for the sake of her career. We’re glad she didn’t listen.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Picture 3/5

She's an independent woman

The relatable actress has been taking care of herself financially since she was 18, which is impressive, and not only that but she has said that her parents didn’t pay a cent for her education. She earned her way 100% on her own. How did she do this you ask? By working a retail job like most of us, “When I was a teenager, I worked at the Gap for a summer folding shirts. That was pretty mindless and soul-sucking.” So you never know, the next big thing in Hollywood may be standing in a store folding shirts right now.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Picture 4/5

She owns the cutest pet ever!

Constance owns an adorable pet rabbit named Lida-Rose. The fluffy bunny often features on Constance's Instagram, snuggling up to the stunning actress, and munching on lettuce and strawberries. Of her fur baby Constance says, "Some people tell me I should have an Instagram just for my bunny, and I probably should, but I haven't gotten around to it." Please get around to it Constance! Lida-Rose is too cute!

Photo Credit: @wonstancecoo Instagram

Picture 5/5

5 Things to know about Constance Wu

Constance Wu is one of the coolest, most chameleon-like women
working in Hollywood today. She makes us laugh as the no-nonsense
mother Jessica Huang in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
And she steals the show in quiet supporting roles (take her film
debut in Stephanie Daley for example). The popular 34-year-old is
also refreshingly candid, and will often take to her social media
accounts to speak about issues other actresses wouldn’t dare. Trust
us, both her Instagram and Twitter accounts are worth following. Wu’s
thought provoking statements and wittiness will keep you going
during the long workday. Very soon she is set to star in the film
adaptation Crazy Rich Asians, but before then
here are 5 things to know about Constance Wu.

Connect with us

Be Asia is the sister website of the French Be.com and Be Magazine. Every day, it delivers news, photos, interviews and videos for young women across the South East Asia region. Like them, our journalists are interested in fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment. Every day, discover beauty tips and make-up tutorials, exclusive news & interviews, and in-depth articles on your favorite topics. You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter for free and receive the best information, advice and tips as our team of professionals keep you up to date with everything a twentysomething needs to know to become a real it-girl.